Patent application title: Edible Pet Chew

Abstract:

An edible pet chew having a non-branching body configured to at least
partially enclose an open space between portions of the body, and is
preferably in the form of a ring with a central opening. The width or
thickness of the chew is sized to fit within the mouth of pet of
pre-determined size for chewing action, but the overall dimension of the
chew is such that the chew cannot be swallowed whole by the pet. One or
more lines of weakness may also be formed in the body of the pet chew to
serve as pre-determined fracture lines along which the pet chew will
break into smaller pieces. The pet chew may be formed of segments that
are sized to provide a recommended single portion for the pet.

Claims:

1. An edible pet chew configured for consumption by a pet of
pre-determined size, said pet chew comprising a non-branching body formed
of an edible material and configured to define at least one open space
that is at least partially enclosed by the body, wherein portions of the
body are sized to fit within the mouth of a pet of pre-determined size
and wherein the outer dimension of the chew is such that the chew cannot
be swallowed whole by a pet of pre-determined size.

2. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said body has a
partially enclosed configuration selected from the group consisting of a
"C" shaped body, a "U" shaped body and a "V" shaped body.

3. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said body has the
configuration of a fully enclosed ring.

4. An edible pet chew according to claim 3 wherein said configuration is
selected from the group consisting of a circular ring shaped body, a
triangular ring shaped body, a square ring shaped body, and a rectangular
ring shaped body.

5. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein the pet chew has a
minimum outer diameter that is at least twice the width between the upper
first molar teeth of a pet of pre-determined size.

6. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises at
least one line of weakness.

7. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises
surface variations that increase the surface area of the body for contact
with a pet's teeth.

8. An edible pet chew according to claim 7, wherein said surface
variations are selected from the group consisting of indentations,
protuberances, and combinations thereof.

9. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises a
plurality of segments separated by lines of weakness.

10. An edible pet chew according to claim 1, wherein said segments are
sized to serve as a recommended single portion for a pet of predetermined
size.

11. An edible pet chew configured for consumption by a pet of
predetermined size, said pet chew comprising a ring defining a central
opening and formed of an edible material, said ring having an outer
circumference of sufficient size such that the chew cannot be swallowed
whole by a pet of pre-determined size and comprising a plurality of
segments separated by lines of weakness.

12. An edible pet chew according to claim 11, wherein said segments are
sized to serve as a recommended single portion for a pet of
pre-determined size.

13. An edible pet chew according to claim 11, wherein said ring comprises
a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner side and an outer side, and
wherein said lines of weakness extend across said ring from said inner
side to said outer side at equidistant locations along the
circumferential length of the ring.

14. An edible pet chew according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said
top surface, said bottom surface, said inner side, or said outer side
comprises surface variations are selected from the group consisting of
indentations, protuberances, and combinations thereof.

15. An edible pet chew according to claim 14, wherein protuberances extend
from said inner side and said outer side of the ring in at least one
segment.

16. An edible pet chew according to claim 15, wherein said protuberances
extend adjacent at least one end of said at least one segment.

17. An edible pet chew according to claim 16, wherein said protuberances
are shaped to mimic the shape of a bone knuckle.

18. An edible pet chew according to claim 16, wherein said protuberances
are shaped to mimic the shape of a brush head.

19. An edible pet chew according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said
top surface or said bottom surface comprises a protuberance.

20. An edible pet chew according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of
protuberances extend outwardly from at least one of said top surface or
said bottom surface at equidistant locations along the circumferential
length of the ring.

21. An edible pet chew according to claim 19, wherein said protuberance is
shaped to mimic the shape of a brush bristles.

22. An edible pet chew configured for consumption by a pet of
pre-determined size, said pet chew comprising:a ring-shaped body having a
central opening and molded from an edible material, said ring-shaped body
comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner side and an outer
side;at least three lines of weakness extending from said inner side to
said outer side at equidistant locations along a circumferential length
of said body to define at least three segments;the inner side and outer
side of the body being contoured in each segment to provide surface
variations that increase available surface area for contact with a pet's
teeth; andthe top surface and bottom surface of the body being contoured
in each segment to provide surface variations that increase available
surface area for contact with a pet's teeth.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002]Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]1. Field of the Invention

[0004]The present invention is directed to the field of pet products, and
is more specifically directed to an edible pet chew having a unique
configuration that enables a pet owner to grasp the pet chew when in use,
promotes prolonged chewing or gnawing for improved dental hygiene, and
reduces the risk of choking and intestinal blockage caused by swallowing
the product whole and unchewed.

[0005]2. Description of Related Art

[0006]A variety of different pet chews have been developed, particularly
for dogs and puppies, to assist in promoting healthy teeth and gums. Some
of these pet chews are made of rubber, plastic, or some other non-edible
material wherein the chew promotes dental health simply by virtue of the
pressure and action of the teeth and gums against or on the product.
Edible pet chews have also been developed wherein the chew is of a
sufficient hardness to provide the physical benefits of exercising the
teeth and gums by mechanical abrasion, but also may be more flavorful and
appealing to a dog because it is edible in nature. The edible chews can
also include ingredients that further assist in dental hygiene or provide
other benefits to the pet, such as tartar control agents, breath
freshening agents, vitamins, supplements, and the like.

[0007]Edible pet chew products currently available in the marketplace can
be loosely grouped into two categories. One type is relatively hard and
friable, which crumbles or breaks down relatively quickly, but has
relatively short lasting times in consumption. The second group is
comprised of highly dense or compacted products with more elastic or
rubbery properties that are more difficult to chew, possibly harder to
digest, and have more extended lasting times in consumption. While this
second group of products, in particular, can be very effective in teeth
cleaning, it also poses some risk of choking or blockage of the digestive
system if the pet swallows the product whole or in large pieces without
chewing. For this reason, it is important to monitor the pet carefully to
assure that they are chewing the product into smaller pieces before
swallowing, thereby enhancing the dental benefits and reducing the risk
of choking or intestinal blockage. This is particularly true for puppies
that tend to swallow rather than chew due to their rambunctious nature.

[0008]Edible pet chews have been provided in a variety of configurations
including elongated dog bone or brush shapes, as well as branched Y, star
and jack shapes. While the elongated shapes have utility, they do not
necessarily facilitate prolonged chewing or gnawing because they are
somewhat more difficult to grasp or hold by the pet. The branched shaped
products do provide means for better holding the chew, but may present an
increased risk of choking or intestinal blockage due to the ease of
breaking off a large chunk of material off at the branch point of the
chew which can then be swallowed whole. None of these shapes are
particularly amenable to a pet owner grasping the chew, such as to take
it away from the pet if it is consuming the chew too quickly, without
risk of accidental biting.

[0009]Considering the foregoing, there remains a need for a product that
is completely edible, long lasting and safe, that is designed to
effectively clean teeth without risk of health damage such as choking or
intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, particularly in relation to puppies,
a need remains for a pet chew that will enable the pet owner or other
person to assist in controlling the puppy's consumption of the pet treat
to make sure that the puppy adequately chews the product rather than
simply swallowing larger pieces so as to enhance the dental effectiveness
of the product while reducing the risk of injury.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]The present invention is directed to an edible pet chew having a
non-branching body configured to at least partially enclose an open space
between portions of the body, wherein the width or thickness of the chew
is sized to fit within the mouth of pet of pre-determined size for
chewing action, but the overall dimension of the chew is such that the
chew cannot be swallowed whole by the pet. The body preferably has a
minimum outer diameter that is at least twice the size of the width of
the pet's jaw. Thus, the pet must repeatedly bite down on the pet chew to
cause portions of the chew to break away into smaller pieces for
swallowing. One or more lines of weakness may also be formed in the body
of the pet chew to serve as pre-determined fracture lines along which the
pet chew will break into smaller pieces.

[0011]The open space formed between portions of the body enables the pet
to securely hold a portion of the pet chew while it gnaws or chews on
other portions. In addition, this configuration enables a pet owner to
grasp one portion of the chew while the pet is gnawing on another portion
with less risk of being accidentally bitten. The pet owner can therefore
more easily control the amount and speed with which the pet consumes
portions of the pet chew by removing the chew when deemed necessary. The
pet owner can also easily grasp and hold a portion of the pet chew to
play "tug of war" or otherwise manipulate the pet chew for increased
interaction and play with the pet. This is particularly advantageous for
use with puppies in order to stimulate them to chew or gnaw on the pet
chew. Since the pet chew is formed of a non-branching body, the overall
size of breakaway pieces of the pet chew can be more easily controlled
and present less risk of choking or intestinal blockage to the pet. The
pet chew of the present invention is therefore designed to remove plaque
and tartar through mechanical abrasion while providing safe occupation
and enjoyment for the pet.

[0012]For purposes of this invention, "non-branching body" means that the
body shape may be drawn as a continuous single line without any branches.
This line is curved or bent to at least partially enclose an open space
between portions of the body. The body may, for example, be configured as
a partially enclosed "C", "U" or "V" shaped body. For purposes of this
invention, "partially enclosed" means that the length of that portion of
the body enclosing the opening is greater than the distance between any
gap in the enclosure. For example, in the case of a "U" shaped body, the
length of the body is determined by measuring the full length of the line
that makes up the "U" and the length of the gap is the distance between
the upper free ends of the "U." In a preferred embodiment, the length of
the body is at least twice the length of the gap, preferably at least
three times the length of the gap, and most preferably over three times
the length of the gap. Most preferably, the body is a fully enclosed
ring, which for purposes of this invention, means any shape defining a
central opening that is fully enclosed, including, without limitation,
circular, oval, triangular, square, and rectangular shapes.

[0013]The body may be contoured to have surface variations that increase
the surface area of the body for contact with the pet's tongue and teeth.
This will also help improve maneuverability in the mouth. These surface
variations may include indentations such as channels or grooves or may
include protuberances such as bumps, ribs, ridges, bulbous knots,
knuckles, teeth, bristles, or nubs. In a preferred embodiment,
protuberances may be provided at spaced intervals along the top and/or
bottom surface of the pet chew so as to form "legs" on which the pet chew
can stand. By limiting the amount of surface area of the pet chew in
contact with the floor, this will assist in keeping the floor clean.

[0014]In a preferred embodiment, the pet chew comprises a segmented body
wherein lines of weakness extend across the width of the body at spaced
intervals along the length of the body in order to form a plurality of
segments. Preferably, the body has at least three segments and most
preferably has four to eight segments. Each segment is preferably sized
to approximate a recommended single portion for the pet of a
pre-determined size. This enables the pet owner to better monitor the
amount of chew being consumed by the pet and the pet owner can take the
chew away once the recommended single portion has been chewed during any
given period. The segments may be contoured to form various shapes, such
as the shape of a dog bone.

[0015]In a preferred embodiment, the segments are each contoured in the
shape of Greenies® pet chews having an iconic bone knuckle on one
end, a central shaft and brush shaped head on the other end. The position
of the brush shaped head can be alternated such that it faces upward from
the top surface of one segment and faces downward from the bottom surface
of an adjacent segment. In this fashion, the brush shaped heads also
serve as "legs" upon which the pet chew can stand when lying on a floor
or other surface.

[0016]Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages
and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned
from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the
invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet chew in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the pet chew of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the pet chew of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pet chew in accordance with an
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the pet chew of FIG. 4;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pet chew of FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pet chew of FIG. I being grasped
by a person; and

[0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pet chew of FIG. 1 being grasped
by a person wherein a segment of the pet chew has been removed by a dog.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025]With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a segmented pet chew in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention is denoted by the numeral
10. Pet chew 10 is in the form of a segmented circular ring 12 having a
central opening 14. Top and bottom surfaces 16, 18 of ring 12 are
generally planar and parallel one another such that the thickness a of
chew 10 is generally uniform. Inner and outer sides 20, 22 are contoured
to form six bone shaped segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f extending
end-to-end in series along the circumferential length of ring 12. Lines
of weakness 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f extending from inner side 20 to
outer side 22 at the juncture of adjacent segments 24 enables the
segments to be more easily broken away from the remainder of ring 12.

[0026]In this preferred embodiment, the shape, configuration, and size of
each segment 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f is uniform. For ease of
reference, segment 24a will therefore be described more fully with the
understanding that the description equally applies to remaining segments
24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f. Inner and outer sides 20, 22 extend generally
parallel one another along a central portion of segment 24a to form an
elongated shaft 28. Inner and outer sides 20, 22 extend away from the
generally parallel sides of shaft 28 to form two rounded protuberances
30a, 30b, 30c, 30d respectively, at each end of segment 24a. Rounded
protuberances 30 are configured to mimic the appearance of an iconic bone
knuckle. As best seen in FIG. 3, inner and outer sides 20, 22 extend
around each end of segment 24a toward the centerline of the chew to
thereby form v-shaped indentations 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d respectively, at
the juncture of segment 24a and adjacent segments 24b, 24f. In addition,
a diamond shaped open space 34a, 34b is formed adjacent the centerline of
the ring at the juncture of segment 24a and adjacent segments 24b, 24f to
further mimic the appearance of an iconic bone knuckle. V-shaped
indentations 32 and diamond shaped open spaces 34 further promote
breakage of segment 24a away from the remainder of ring 12 at the lines
of weakness 26a, 26b.

[0027]Looking to FIGS. 4-6, a segmented pet chew in accordance with an
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is denoted by
the numeral 110. Pet chew 110 is in the form of a segmented ring 112
having a central opening 114. In this embodiment, top and bottom surfaces
116, 118 and inner and outer sides 120, 122 are contoured to form six
segments 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f having a shape similar to
commercially available pet chews sold under the brand name Greenies®.
The segments 124 are positioned end-to-end in series along the
circumferential length of ring 112. Lines of weakness 126a, 126b, 126c,
126d, 126e, 126f extending from inner side 120 to outer side 122 at the
juncture of adjacent segments 124 enables the segments to be more easily
broken away from the remainder of ring 112.

[0028]Segments 124 each comprise a brush-shaped head 136a, 136b, 136c,
136d, 136e, 136f connected by a central elongated shaft 128a, 128b, 128c,
128d, 128e, 128f to a bone-shaped tail 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d, 138e,
138f. The thickness of the shaft 128 and bone-shaped tail 138 of each
segment 124 is shown in FIG. 5 as a'. Segments 124 are in alternating
positions within the ring such that the brush-shaped head 136 extends
upwardly from the top surface of segments 124a, 124c, 124e, and extends
downwardly from the bottom surface of segments 124b, 124d, 124f. Given
that the segments 124 are substantially uniform in shape, configuration,
and size, segment 124a will be described more fully with the
understanding that the description applies to remaining segments 124b,
124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, albeit the brush head 136 and groove 142
(described hereinafter) extends from bottom surface 118 as opposed to top
surface 116 in segments 124b, 124d, 124f.

[0029]Inner and outer sides 120, 122 extend generally parallel one another
along a central portion of segment 124a to form elongated shaft 128a.
Inner and outer sides 120, 122 gently slope away from the generally
parallel sides of shaft 128a to form rounded brush-shaped head 136a on
one end of segment 124a and gently slope away from the generally parallel
sides of shaft 128a to form two rounded protuberances 130a, 130b at a
tail end of segment 124a. These rounded protuberances 130a, 130b are
configured to mimic the appearance of an iconic bone knuckle. As best
seen in FIG. 6, inner and outer sides 120, 122 extend around each end of
segment 124a toward the centerline of chew 112 to thereby form v-shaped
indentations 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d respectively, at the juncture of
segment 124a and adjacent segments 124b, 124f. V-shaped indentations 132
further promote breakage of segment 124a away from the remainder of ring
112 at the lines of weakness 126a, 126b.

[0030]A plurality of bristle sections 140 extends upwardly from top
surface 116 of the brush-shaped head 136a to approximate the "bristles"
of a brush. Bristle sections 140 are approximately parallel one another
and preferably have angled spaces between them (not shown), so that when
a dog bites brush-shaped head 136a, the natural shape of a dog's tooth is
accommodated by being able to fit into these spaces, increasing the
surface area of chew 112 in contact with the tooth. This contact of a
dog's tooth against the surface of chew 112, in addition to the contact
arising from the penetration of a dog's tooth into the body of chew 112,
results in a cleaning action on the dog's teeth. The spaces between the
bristle sections 140 create predetermined fracture lines so that the dog
chew breaks along those lines when the dog chews on it. This increases
the solubility of the pieces in the dog's digestive tract by increasing
the surface area.

[0031]At least one groove 142 extends from tail 138a along top surface 116
of shaft 128a so that fracture lines preferentially form in that area
when a dog bites on chew 112. This increases the fracturability of the
chew in that area and guides a dog's teeth to that area when the dog is
in the process of biting the chew. Groove 142 is the thinnest part of
shaft 128a, and therefore the chew is more apt to break at that point.
Although not shown in the Figures, a groove may also be presented along
the bottom surface 118 of shaft 128a.

[0032]Looking to FIG. 7, the ring shape of pet chew 10 enables a pet owner
to firmly grasp or hold one part of the chew while the dog is chewing or
gnawing on another remote part of the chew. Central opening 14 provides
sufficient space between the dog's mouth and the owner's hand so as to
prevent accidental biting. This configuration also enables the pet owner
to play "tug of war" or otherwise manipulate the pet chew to enhance
interaction with the dog and stimulate chewing or gnawing on the chew. In
addition, given that the pet owner can grasp the chew in a location
remote from the part of the chew that is being gnawed on by the dog, the
pet owner can more effectively take the chew away from the dog when
deemed necessary to control consumption of the chew.

[0033]As shown in FIG. 8, the overall dimension or size of pet chew 10 is
such that a dog of pre-determined size cannot swallow the entirety of the
pet chew whole. The minimum outer diameter of pet chew 10, 110 is
preferably at least twice the length, most preferably at least three
times the length, of the width between the upper first molar teeth of a
pet of pre-determined size. For example, a pet chew made for consumption
by extra-large dogs (>100 pounds) generally having a width between the
upper first molar teeth ranging from 6.75 cm to 8.00 cm will have a
minimum diameter ranging from 12 cm to 32 cm and preferably ranging from
20 cm to 24 cm. For large dogs (50-100 pounds) having a width between the
upper first molar teeth ranging from 4.75 cm to 7.5 cm, the minimum outer
diameter of the pet chew ranges from about 9.5 cm to 28 cm, preferably
ranges from 14 cm to 22 cm. For medium dogs (25-50 pounds) having a width
between the upper first molar teeth ranging from 4.5 cm to 7.5 cm, the
outer diameter of the pet chew ranges from about 9 cm to 28 cm,
preferably ranges from 13 cm to 22 cm. For small dogs (15-25 pounds)
having a width between the upper first molar teeth ranging from 4.25 cm
to 5.5 cm, the outer diameter of the pet chew ranges from about 8.5 cm to
20 cm, preferably ranges from 13 cm to 17 cm. For extra-small or petite
dogs (<15 pounds) having a width between the upper first molar teeth
ranging from 2.5 cm to 4.75 cm, the outer diameter of the pet chew ranges
from about 5 cm to 19 cm, preferably ranges from 7.5 cm to 14.25 cm.

[0034]Since the ring body is generally linear and non-branching, the
minimum width of chew 10, 110 as measured radially from inner side 20,
120 to outer side 22, 122 at any given point along the shaft 28, 128 of a
segment 24, 124 is small enough for a dog to bite over the shaft putting
a portion of the chew between his front fangs and back canine teeth. This
enables the dog to rub his teeth against the inner and outer sides 20,
22, 120, 122 of the chew for better teeth cleaning, and also enables the
dog to bite into the chew and break it down into smaller portions before
swallowing.

[0035]Similarly, the thickness a, a' of the chew is such that a dog can
easily get its mouth around the chew for biting on the top and bottom
surfaces 16, 18, 116, 118 of the chew. For extra-large dogs having a gape
size (preferably measured between the upper and lower 3rd premolar teeth)
ranging from 6.5 cm to 10 cm, thickness a, a' of the pet chew preferably
ranges from about 0.75 cm to 4 cm. For large dogs having a gape size
ranging from 3.5 cm to 8.75 cm, thickness a, a' preferably ranges from
about 0.5 cm to 3.5 cm. For medium dogs having a gape size ranging from
1.5 cm to 5.5 cm, thickness a, a' preferably ranges from about 0.25 cm to
3.0 cm. For small dogs having a gape size ranging from 0.7 cm to 5.5 cm,
thickness a, a' preferably ranges from about 0.25 cm to 2.5 cm. For
extra-small or petite dogs having a gape size ranging from 0.2 cm to 2.75
cm, thickness a, a' preferably ranges from about 0.1 cm to 2.0 cm.

[0036]Each segment 24, 124 of the pet chew 10, 110 is preferably
dimensioned to comprise a single recommended portion size for the type or
size of dog for which the pet treat is made. Veterinarians recommend that
treats make up no more than 10% of your dogs caloric intake. The segments
essentially serve as a measuring stick enabling the pet owner to better
monitor the amount of pet chew being consumed by the dog during any given
time period. For extra-large dogs (>100 pounds), the caloric content
of each segment preferably ranges from about 50 kcal to 400 kcal. For
large dogs (50-100 pounds) the caloric content of each segment preferably
ranges from about 20 kcal to 250 kcal. For medium dogs (25-50 pounds) the
caloric content of each segment preferably ranges from about 10 kcal to
150 kcal. For small dogs (15-25 pounds) the caloric content of each
segment preferably ranges from about 5 kcal to 100 kcal. For extra-small
or petite dogs (<15 pounds) the caloric content of each segment
preferably ranges from about 3 kcal to 50 kcal.

[0037]Pet chew 10, 110 may be formed of any solid, edible material
suitable for pet consumption and is preferably made of a material that
provides high flexibility and elastic properties to improve chewing
enjoyment and lasting time, but also breaks down or fractures under
mechanical stress to avoid the release of large pieces that can be
swallowed intact. While any materials now known and hereafter developed
for use as an edible pet chew material are considered suitable for
purposes of the present invention, in order to obtain the desired shape
of the chew, the material is preferably made of a thermoplastic or other
material that can be molded or extruded. Preferred compositions used to
make the pet chew and methods for extruding the pet chew are described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/060,943, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference. The composition of the dog
chew may be selected to enhance the effect of the lines of weakness and
predetermined fracture lines. A composition that yields a softer, more
elastic dog chew will also tend to assist the breakage along the
predetermined fracture lines, rather than along crystal lines of the
extruded product. Compositions formulated to enhance the ability of
product to be sheared apart with a wedge action of a dog's teeth, as
described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/815,682 [Attorney
Docket No. 02280.003950], the entire disclosure of which is also
incorporated by reference, may be adapted for use in accordance with the
present invention.

[0038]A particularly preferred method for designing and marketing the pet
chew for dogs using biometric analysis, such as described in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/821,000 [Attorney Docket No.
02280.003960], may be utilized in accordance with this invention, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0039]From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well
adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth,
together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are
inherent to the invention.

[0040]Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without
departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters
herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be
interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. Of particular
import, while the pet chew has been shown in the drawings as a segmented
circular ring shaped pet chew, it is anticipated that the pet chew may be
a variety of other shapes, including, without limitation, partially
enclosed "C," "U," or "V" shaped chews, as well as fully enclosed rings
that are oval, triangular, square, or rectangular in shape. In addition,
the pet chew need not be segmented, and, if segmented, the segments can
be of non-uniform size and shape. Furthermore, the pet treat may include
any number of different surface variations, including, without
limitation, bumps, ridges, ribs, channels, grooves, nubs, points,
bristles, teeth, and combinations thereof.

[0041]While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various
modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to
the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.
Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations
are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features
and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of
the claims.